Dentures can be a permanent solution for restoring teeth’ appearance. They allow people with severe dental problems to regain their normal tooth function. Opting for dental prostheses, such as this, is a quick and simple way to restore a perfect smile and rebuild self-esteem.
If you recently invested in good-quality dentures, you may be eager to finally put them to good use after years of struggling with your missing or damaged teeth. Especially this summer season, you are probably looking forward to all the festivities and delicious foods you can enjoy.
While you don’t have to skip another summer to avoid your favorite summer foods, you may want to take it easy when it comes to eating. It may take a lot of time to get used to your new smile, but with proper dental hygiene and mindful eating, you will be enjoying your favorite summer meal in no time.
What Can You Eat With Dentures This Summer
You couldn’t be happier spending more time with your family and friends at summer barbecues and pool parties. But when it comes to eating with dentures, there are some precautions you should take.
While this does not mean that you can no longer enjoy the freshness of tropical fruits and the sweetness of summer treats, selecting the best foods for your artificial teeth can help you make the most of the warm season.
Here are some food swaps you can consider. These changes in diet are great for your new smile and your overall dental health. Consult your cosmetic dentist to discuss other options right for you:
1. Smoothies Instead of Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables are good for your natural teeth but not for your dentures. The pressure from too much chewing can cause your dentures to loosen and, eventually, wear out.
Smoothies are the perfect soft foods for new dentures. By blending whole fruits and vegetables, you can still enjoy their flavor and nutrients without causing damage to your artificial teeth.
2. Tenderize or Minced Meat Instead of Whole Sliced Steak
It can be difficult for your jaws, gums, and dentures to chew through a tough steak. Reduce the stress by cutting your steak into smaller pieces, switching to minced beef, or using lighter meats that are easier for you to grind.
If you are a meat lover, you can sous-vide your meat and make them as tender as possible. Sous-vide is a cooking method done by slowly boiling vacuum-sealed meat in temperature-controlled water. This method helps tenderize the meat while still preserving its natural juices and flavor that melts in your mouth when you bite into it.
3. Whole Grain Bread Instead of Seeded Bread
Avoiding seeded bread is a good idea as seeds can get stuck between your dentures and cause damage. If you want to enjoy the health and flavor benefits of seeded bread, you can opt for whole-grain bread instead.
4. Pitted Olives as Substitutes for Nuts
Nuts can be challenging to bite with dentures. They can also get trapped within your teeth and cause plaque buildup. Olives are a soft substitute for nuts when eating with dentures. Grapes and berries are the same, but the latter have strong pigments that can stain your artificial teeth.
5. Hummus as a Healthier Alternative to Peanut Butter
Because of the high level of oils and seeds, peanut and other nut butter are naturally sticky, making it difficult and frustrating to clean off your dentures. Hummus, meat, and fish spreads are healthier and less sticky options with the same protein content as peanut butter.
6. Chocolates Instead of Sticky Candy
Sticky lollies can be a problem for false or natural teeth. But you don’t have to give up eating sweets, even with dentures. You can always opt for chocolate, which is a safer alternative and much easier to clean. Just make sure to avoid those with hard nuts.
7. Air-Puffed Vegetable Crisps Instead of Popcorn
Popcorn kernels can cause damage to dentures. They can also cause severe pain if caught between your gum and denture. You can choose to eat vegetable, chickpea, or lentil chips as safer options. However, it is important to rinse your mouth to ensure that you completely remove any shards.
Foods to Avoid With Dentures
Prothetists designed dentures to feel, look, and function naturally as regular teeth. However, they have limitations. Some foods and beverages can cause problems with your dentures, so you need to be aware of what you should avoid or limit your consumption of.
To guide you on your tasty journey this summer, here are some of the foods to avoid with dentures:
1. Hard Foods
Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, carrot sticks, or corn on the cob require your jaw to apply uneven pressure to your dentures. This could cause dentures to become loose or damaged. Chewing on non-food objects like pens and fingernails can also result in chips or cracks on your dentures.
2. Sticky Foods
If you enjoy sticky sweets like caramels, lollies, toffee, peanut butter, and dried fruits, you need to take a lot of precautions when eating with dentures. These foods can cause your dentures to become loose, leading to discomfort or even requiring a visit to the dentist.
Removing sticky food from your dentures can also be an ordeal. When left unclean, foods stuck in your dentures can cause irritation and increase the risk of developing oral health problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
3. Tough Meats
Gums under dentures can be put under a lot of pressure by eating steak, chops, ribs, and other meats requiring more chewing. Grinding and chewing tough meats can cause sore spots to form on the gums, making wearing dentures uncomfortable.
4. Staining Foods and Beverages
Avoiding discoloration and stains is integral to keeping dentures in excellent condition. Dentures can stain when exposed to staining foods or drinks like natural teeth.
To keep your dentures as white and bright as they were first installed, avoid eating and drinking foods and beverages with strong pigments, such as red wine, tea, coffee, berries, and dark sauces.
How to Enjoy Summer Foods With Dentures
More that knowing how to chew with dentures properly, there are many ways to enjoy your summer favorites with dentures. Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Stick With Soft Foods for New Dentures
Your mouth will take some time to adjust to dentures. This could mean that your gums may be sensitive at first. It is best to stick with soft foods for new dentures, such as yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal. As you become more comfortable with your new teeth, you can gradually introduce harder foods.
2. Be Careful With Hot Foods
Everyone knows that warm cocoa or a cup of tea by the pool is the best thing. However, this can be risky when you are wearing dentures. Dentures might warp when exposed to high temperatures, which may render your dentures useless.
Your denture also insulates your real teeth, making it hard to tell if a drink is too hot for you. To ensure that beverages and foods are at the correct temperature, you will want to taste them in small quantities.
3. Keep Hydrated
With all the fun summer food ideas to try this summer, one thing is more important– water. Especially in this hot season, water is essential to keep you hydrated. It’s also vital for your new smile. Sugary and starchy foods can stick to your teeth and under your denture. Drinking plenty of water can help avoid irritation and keep mouth odors at bay.
4. Prepare a Denture-Care Kit
Managing your denture care routines is essential, whether traveling in an RV or a resort hotel. The good thing is you don’t have to spend a lot of money at resorts if you prepare your denture-care supplies in advance.
To keep your denture items safe and sound on all your adventures, you can place them in a waterproof bag. Your denture care kit should include regular adhesives, dental cleaners, soaking tablets, soak containers, small brushes, and washcloths.
Discuss denture-care supplies and kits with your dentist. Many times, you can find sample containers that are ideal for traveling.
5. Have a Sturdy Case for Dentures
Aside from turning your summer food ideas into reality, the warm season is also perfect for epic adventures and a relaxing vacation. When traveling, having a sturdy, impact-resistant case can help protect your dentures from the force of the stack of luggage.
Some patients also keep a second set of dentures. If you are traveling to remote areas with limited access to dentists, an extra set of dentures can be a smart investment. You can also purchase a durable travel case to protect your backup set.
Smile Brightly This Summer With Century Dental
Partner with the best dental care team that can help you make the most of your summer, even with dentures.
Living with your new dentures isn’t about depriving yourself of food. It’s about learning how to adjust your previous eating habits and consume certain foods in moderation. Century Dental can help make your transition to your new smile easier and more comfortable. Schedule an appointment with our dentists near South Pasadena, FL, and learn more tips on eating with dentures this summer.
